Audio interface choice??

Hi, i am currently exploring my choices in regards to an interface and would like some suggestions. The reason i am looking for one is that my onboard sound is causing a crackling noise through my monitors so all i really want my new interface to have is the ability of direct monitoring, i dont really need many inputs as i have a little mixer i use for that.

I have been searching and im not lazy but im baffled by the extensive range of products and varied prices so i was hoping if i told some people with better knowledge of what i want it for and what it need it to do for me i might have better results.

And all i really want it for is an interface for my (active) monitors as my onboard sound is causing noise from my PC. I have a little mixing desk i can use for inputs and what not so there of no importance to me really, i just want my sound to be crisp and my onboard aint doin it.

Hi, i am currently exploring my choices in regards to an interface and would like some suggestions. The reason i am looking for one is that my onboard sound is causing a crackling noise through my monitors so all i really want my new interface to have is the ability of direct monitoring, i dont really need many inputs as i have a little mixer i use for that.

I have been searching and im not lazy but im baffled by the extensive range of products and varied prices so i was hoping if i told some people with better knowledge of what i want it for and what it need it to do for me i might have better results.

It has what i need but i dont really know how to make heads or tales of the specs or if i in fact, can get better for cheaper : )

Sorry for the newbie type question guys but i hope you can help me make the right decision.

Thanks

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If it is mainly for your monitoring then the link in ur post would be perfect for that. its got zero latency which means whilst your producing/recording there wont be any delay in what is playing/recording and what you hear. it has both jack and rca outs so you can go directly to your monitors from there. And considering the price i think its quite a bargain for what you're looking for. only problem i would have is the lack of inputs but as you said that isnt what you're looking for.
Hope that helps mate

If it is mainly for your monitoring then the link in ur post would be perfect for that. its got zero latency which means whilst your producing/recording there wont be any delay in what is playing/recording and what you hear. it has both jack and rca outs so you can go directly to your monitors from there. And considering the price i think its quite a bargain for what you're looking for. only problem i would have is the lack of inputs but as you said that isnt what you're looking for.
Hope that helps mate

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actually the zero latency that it mentions is just for monitoring the inputs, which any card can do really as that process doesnt take place within the computer. latency will always exist when a signal goes into or out of a computer.
having said that, this particular card seems ok for what you want it, so go for it

actually the zero latency that it mentions is just for monitoring the inputs, which any card can do really as that process doesnt take place within the computer. latency will always exist when a signal goes into or out of a computer.
having said that, this particular card seems ok for what you want it, so go for it

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My misunderstanding, cheers mr moriarty!! All i know is that with zero latency i can plug a geeetar/mic into my mbox and then it comes out of the speakers at the same time i play it. where as it used to have a half second delay lol.

yup, thats because it was going in your computer, and then you were hearing its output. direct monitoring means there's an auxiliary output on the card that mixes with the main output when something is plugged in.

It depends on what you are doin.
If you are just a Laptop Musician (I mean, if you don't record, maybe sampling from old vinyl or using analog synths) the interface isn't that important for you.
If that's the case you should spent your money for a good and neutral pair of monitors.
If you record some stuff you should definetly get a good Interface (quality and without noises).
I also use the MIDI out of the Edirol UA-25 to control my Nordlead, because my USB and Firewires are out of range.

A few years ago i bought a digidesign mbox 2 pro and will never really need to upgrade for my music production. only really record live vocals/guitar or decks so got more than enuff ins and outs all depends on what u use for production though. I have to say that recording mixes now is a lot better quality than when i used to record through my line in on the internal soundcard. Would def reccomend any digidesign product, altho i think they've changed their name now. I always use protools to record all my live stuff, ie vocals/guitars. i also do a lot of my mixdowns and mastering in protools.